A mother and her teenage daughter have died in a devastating suspected food poisoning incident following a family Christmas dinner in Italy, with five doctors now under investigation for manslaughter.
A Festive Meal Turns Fatal
Antonella Di Ielsi, 50, and her 15-year-old daughter Sara Di Vita are believed to have consumed a meal containing fish, mussels, and mushrooms on Christmas Day in the small village of Pietracatella. Within hours, both began suffering from severe nausea and abdominal pain.
Medical officials suspect the pair developed fulminant hepatitis, a rare and acute form of liver failure, as a result of food poisoning. Sara was rushed to A&E twice before being discharged. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she tragically passed away at Cardarelli Hospital at 11pm on Saturday, 3 January 2026.
Rapid Progression and Hospital Response
After Sara's death, and upon learning that her mother was showing identical symptoms, hospital staff urgently requested Antonella be brought in. "We tried to stay ahead of the curve, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough," said Vincenzo Cuzzone from Cardarelli Hospital.
He described the clinical picture as "truly rare" and noted the "rapid and sudden progression" of the illness, which led to Antonella's death shortly after her admission. The family's patriarch, Ganni Di Vita, 55, was also hospitalised with similar symptoms and remains in intensive care in Rome. An 18-year-old daughter, who reportedly did not share the meal, is under close observation.
Investigation Launched into Potential Negligence
In a significant development, five doctors from Cardarelli Hospital in Campobasso are being investigated for manslaughter by the public prosecutor's office. Prosecutor Nicola D'Angelo stated the inquiry would examine potential negligence and work to determine the exact cause of the poisoning to prevent further tragedy.
Police have collected food samples from the family home, including canned goods and fresh produce. Post-mortem examinations have been ordered. The local community is in shock, with Christmas festivities cancelled and a vigil held. Mayor Antonio Tommasone expressed the village's disbelief, stating, "This is a tragedy that leaves us speechless."
